Joanna James
Emirati cuisine or the culinary tradition of the Middle East has yielded many staple dishes that are enjoyed daily by the residents of this dynamic region. Here are some of the best-known Emirati staples one is likely to come across on any Middle Eastern dining table.
This delectable breakfast dish is made using fava beans and chickpeas that have been ground to perfection. Ranked among the most popular dishes in the Middle East, falafel is consumed as a snack in the United Arab Emirates when it is not served as the main component of a breakfast spread. Often served with a salad and a dollop of hot sauce, this crunchy vegetarian sandwich is sometimes stuffed in pita bread. Delicious and filling, a falafel can serve as the perfect meal any time of the day while those who are lucky enough to holiday in Doha or the UAE can sample different variations of the dish at local restaurants.
Another vegetarian favourite, hummus is a Middle Eastern staple of truly iconic proportions. Although Hummus is made and sold in restaurants around the world, nothing compares to sampling this chickpea paste at a local eatery in Doha or when dining in Sir Bani Yas Island at a restaurant or buffet spread by the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara or any other resort. The infusion of tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil is what lends this paste its unique flavour and texture, which pairs well with a host of local bread. Often consumed with pita bread, hummus can be used to enhance the flavour and blandness of nearly any dish as is demonstrated by its use in sandwiches, burgers, wraps, and even as a topping for baked potatoes. Hummus variants that have been mixed with bell peppers, cilantro, and other herbs are also served in the Middle East and are modern fusions by local chefs.
Salad lovers will love the wholesome and tangy taste of this Arabic staple that's made up of different leafy greens and topped off with lemon juice and olive oil. Strong in flavour, meat lovers can infuse some protein into a traditional Fattoush salad by simply requesting the addition at Emirati restaurants. High in nutrition, a Fattoush salad can be the perfect meal option for those who are on a diet.
Consumed daily with a variety of dipping sauces, gravies, and meat items, the thin, crispy bread is one of the most versatile inventions of Emirati cuisine. Ideal for stuffing, dipping, and even toasting, the humble pita bread is also known to be a healthier alternative to bread that are prepared with wheat flour. Pita chips and Mahi Mahi are popular appetisers that include pita bread, which is the equivalent of rice in Asian cuisine.
Sold by street-side vendors and swanky restaurants alike, Shawarmas are delicious wraps that feature a host of fillings that have been tossed together with garlic sauce, pickles, tomatoes, onions, and potato chips. Diners can select their own filling based on personal preference and truly make a Shawarma their own.
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